The New Orleans Saints will have at least one change along the starting offensive line in Week 3, and that might not be all.
Dillon Radunz, who started the first two games in place of Trevor Penning, has been ruled out early due to a toe issue. He will not be traveling with the team, which headed out to Seattle early and thus had to make an early decision on the injury.
It's worth noting that the Saints did not make an early call on either of Taliese Fuaga or Chase Young, both of whom missed the first two practices of the week, indicating there is a chance for both to play. Fuaga is dealing with a back issue, while Young is still working back from the same calf issue that cost him the first two weeks. Head coach Kellen Moore indicated that Young did not suffer a setback in his recovery.
Here's how the Thursday injury report of Week 3 broke down for the Saints:
LP = limited participation; FP = full participation; DNP = did not participate
- OT Taliese Fuaga (back): DNP | DNP
- OL Dillon Radunz (toe): DNP | DNP - out (did not travel)
- DE Chase Young (calf): DNP | DNP
- WR Trey Palmer (hamstring): LP | DNP
- OT/G Trevor Penning (toe): LP | LP
- WR Devaughn Vele (hip): LP
Possibly the biggest question for the Saints this week will be the availability of Trevor Penning, who changed positions to LG this offseason but suffered an injury in the preseason opener. He got on the field for a pair of limited practice this week and would be considered the starter if he's physically ready to play. If the team decides Penning needs more time they would likely turn to UDFA Torricelli Simpkins III. Another rookie in Xavier Truss could also be an option. If Fuaga can't play expect Asim Richards to step into that role, as he did for the fourth quarter in Week 1 with the starting RT battling a knee issue.
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The Saints also have a pair of WRs on the injury report, with newcomer Devaughn Vele added on Tuesday due to a hip issue. He was limited. Trey Palmer (hamstring) was the only player downgraded on Thursday. He is yet to be active in a game since being claimed on waivers by the Bucs ahead of the regular season.
The Seahawks had not yet updated their Thursday injury report at the time of publication. Here's how it broke down on Wednesday:
- RB Zach Charbonnet (foot): DNP |
- S Nick Emmanwori (ankle): DNP |
- S Julian Love (hamstring): DNP |
- CB Devon Witherspoon (knee): DNP |
- LB Derick Hall (hip): LP |
- WR Tory Horton (groin): LP |
- CB Josh Jobe (knee): LP |
- LB Ernest Jones (shoulder): LP |
- OT Abraham Lucas (elbow): LP |
The Saints (0-2) hit the road for the first time this season to face the Seahawks (1-1). That game is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. (central). Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.
Check back for updates.